Time always seems long to the child who is waiting - for

Host: The room feels calm, as Jack and Jeeny sit quietly with the weight of Dag Hammarskjöld’s words. The duality in the quote—time feeling long when waiting for something, but also long when fully embracing the present—invites a deeper exploration of our relationship with time and how we experience it differently at various stages of life. Jack looks at Jeeny, his tone reflective as he considers the quote.

Jeeny: "Dag Hammarskjöld once said, 'Time always seems long to the child who is waiting—for Christmas, for next summer, for becoming a grownup: long also when he surrenders his whole soul to each moment of a happy day.' It’s such a beautiful way to think about time, don’t you think? It speaks to the subjectivity of time, how it feels different depending on whether we’re waiting for something or fully immersed in a moment. What do you think he’s getting at here?"

Jack: "I think Hammarskjöld is pointing out how perception of time changes depending on our state of mind. When we’re waiting for something—whether it’s a holiday, a special event, or a milestone—it feels like time stretches out. As a child, the days leading up to Christmas or the summer holidays seem endless. But then, when we’re fully engaged in a happy moment, time can feel like it’s flying by." He pauses, his voice thoughtful. "It’s a paradox. The more we anticipate something, the longer time feels, but when we’re truly present, we can lose track of time altogether."

Jeeny: "Exactly. I think there’s something about anticipation that stretches time. When we’re waiting for something, we have an expectation that time is moving slowly because we’re focused on what’s coming next. But the moment we let go of that expectation and focus on the present, time becomes more fluid. It’s almost like Hammarskjöld is saying that time becomes rich and full when we’re in the moment, truly present and enjoying what we’re experiencing." She smiles softly, almost wistfully. "It’s a reminder that our perception of time is often shaped by where we focus our energy."

Jack: "Yes, and I think it’s interesting that he contrasts the waiting of a child with the fullness of a happy day. There’s this innocence in a child’s anticipation—the sense that time is slow because they don’t yet understand that it’s fleeting. But when we surrender ourselves to the moment, when we fully embrace the joy of today, time feels expansive, even though it’s moving quickly." He looks at her with a thoughtful expression. "The real trick is finding a way to bring that kind of presence into our adult lives, to fully immerse ourselves in each day instead of constantly waiting for something else to happen."

Jeeny: "Yes, it’s about being present. I think we spend so much of our adult lives focused on what’s ahead, always thinking about the future—work, responsibilities, goals—that we forget to enjoy the moments we have right now. Hammarskjöld is telling us that when we stop waiting and start living fully in the moment, time itself becomes richer and more meaningful. It’s like a shift in perspective—when we stop anticipating and start appreciating, we experience time more deeply." She smiles softly, her voice lightening. "It’s almost like the more we give ourselves to the moment, the more time gives back."

Jack: "Right. It’s about shifting from wanting to experiencing. As a child, the world is full of anticipation, but as we grow, we often forget to embrace the present because we’re always chasing the next thing. But by surrendering to the present moment, we realize that we don’t need to wait for something else to be happy—happiness and fulfillment are already here, in the now." He looks at Jeeny, his voice softening. "It’s a beautiful concept—time isn’t just about waiting or planning; it’s about truly feeling each moment."

Jeeny: "Exactly. Time can feel long or short, but it’s the quality of time that matters most. The moments when we’re deeply engaged, when we’re fully present, are the ones that stay with us—those are the moments that give us real meaning, real connection." Her voice softens, almost in reflection. "It’s like Hammarskjöld is telling us that time isn’t something to rush through or wait on—it’s something to live in. The more we give ourselves to life as it is right now, the more fulfilling time becomes."

Host: The room feels still now, the depth of Hammarskjöld’s words settling between them. Time, in its essence, isn’t just a measure of minutes or hours—it’s a reflection of how we experience life. Whether waiting for something or immersed in the present, it’s the fullness of each moment that gives life meaning. Jack and Jeeny realize that the true value of time lies in how we live it, not just how we wait for it to pass.

As the evening continues, their thoughts linger, a reminder that life isn’t about rushing through to the next thing—it’s about embracing and savoring the moments we have, letting time expand and unfold in its own way when we fully give ourselves to it.